The role of oxytocin in social reward processing

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The neurohormone Oxytocin is assumed to mediate behaviors related to affiliation and bonding, for example by facilitating approach behavior. Animal data suggests that oxytocin exerts its prosocial effects by attaching rewarding value to socially relevant cues. Specifically, there is preclinical evidence that oxytocin amplifies the dopamine signal in reward related brain areas. It is assumed, that as a consequence of this mechanism, cues associated with an interaction partner receive enhanced motivational salience thereby increasing the motivation for approach. The aim of the planned study is to test the hypothesis that in humans, too, oxytocin modulates activation in the brain reward system during processing of cues signaling socially rewarding stimuli. To this end, oxytocin will be applied via nasal spray to modulate endogenous oxytocin levels. The participants will receive oxytocin or a placebo solution before performing a motivation task known to activate the dopaminergic brain reward system. Functional magnet resonance imaging will be used to assess changes in the reward associated brain response under oxytocin compared to a placebo solution. Social reward feedback will be contrasted with non-social reward feedback to assess if oxytocin effects are specific to social reward. A special focus of the investigation will be on possible sex differences as there is evidence that oxytocin might have different effects in men and women. The results of the investigation are expected to contribute to an ameliorated understanding and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by a dysfunction in social approach behavior, in particular autism spectrum disorders.